Revealing the second victim status of standardized patients through the escape room method
Clinical Simulation in Nursing, vol.116, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 116
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ecns.2026.101981
- Journal Name: Clinical Simulation in Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL
- Keywords: Escape room, Health professions education, Second victim phenomenon, Simulation-based education, Standardized patients
- Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: Standardized patients (SPs) portray emotionally complex scenarios in simulation-based education, which may expose them to second victim experiences. Despite increasing recognition of emotional labor in simulation contexts, empirical research on SP second victim experiences remains limited. This study explored SPs’ second victim experiences using an escape room-based gamified approach. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory design was employed. Data were collected from two structured reflection sessions (n = 15) and eight in-depth interviews with SPs working. Thematic content analysis was conducted. Results: Six themes emerged from the analysis: conceptual awareness and recognition process, psychosocial impact of the escape room experience, second victim experiences during SP roles, emotional reflections of second victim experiences, coping strategies, and institutional and systemic factors. Participants described a range of emotional responses, including anxiety, guilt, and emotional strain across these thematic domains. Conclusion: SPs may experience second victim experiences and benefit from structured emotional safety strategies within simulation programs to support their well-being.